BANGKOK — “Imcranib 100”, the first targeted cancer drug in tablet form developed and produced in Thailand, is the result of the research and development work of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana.
Chulabhorn Hospital announced on July 5 that Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn has established a strategic policy for cancer research and drug development that places a strong emphasis on holistic patient care. An important part of this initiative is the development of targeted cancer therapies that inhibit the activity of tyrosine kinases, enzymes involved in the growth of cancer cells.
The new drug with proven high efficacy is used to treat various types of cancer. It is highly regarded by oncologists as it delivers strong therapeutic results with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.
The first targeted cancer drug produced in Thailand in tablet form, “Imcranib 100″, contains 100 mg of the active ingredient imatinib. It received official drug approval on 20 May 2025 from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which reports to the Ministry of Public Health, and is now available for cancer treatment.
Effective Against Multiple Cancer Types
“Imcranib 100” is a drug for targeted therapy that inhibits the activity of tyrosine kinase enzymes, which are responsible for the growth and spread of cancer cells. The drug effectively controls the disease while minimising side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. It is approved for the treatment of various types of cancer, including:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST)
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), a rare skin cancer
Although “Imatinib 100” is already covered by Thai health insurance for several diseases, certain indications and disease stages are still excluded. Domestic production aims to remove these restrictions by extending the scope to all approved indications. This would improve disease control, reduce suffering and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.
The Cancer Centre at Chulabhorn Hospital has adopted “Imcranib 100” as part of its cancer treatment programme. As a specialised cancer hospital, it acts as an important bridge between medical science and local pharmaceutical quality production by bringing state-of-the-art treatments directly to patients in a structured and systematic way.
In July, the hospital will begin rolling out the drug as part of a pilot programme supported by robust service systems, drug administration protocols and clinical outcome monitoring. The programme involves close collaboration between doctors, pharmacists and support teams to ensure both efficacy and safety, and to put patients’ interests first.
This achievement is not only a boon to the Thai people, helping to alleviate the suffering caused by cancer, but also a milestone in building expertise in drug formulation, production, quality control, quality assurance, pharmacological testing and regulatory affairs.
It significantly enhances Thailand’s capabilities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology and human resources, paving the way for the development and production of future cancer treatments. Ultimately, it is a step forward to ensure the country’s long-term pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.
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